The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) is expanding its partnership with Indiana State University to strengthen the future talent pipeline for the corrugated packaging industry. Through new equipment, student workforce development, and expanded outreach to high school students, the collaboration continues to create meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning and career exploration.
Building on a strong and growing relationship, ICPF has donated a new precision cutting table to Indiana State University’s Bailey College of Engineering and Technology to support the university’s Packaging Application and Collaborative Knowledge (PACK) Center and has also piloted a Packaging Student Worker program that is already producing strong results. Together, these efforts are helping Indiana State students gain direct exposure to corrugated design, prototyping, testing, and industry-connected project work.
Through the pilot Packaging Student Worker program, Indiana State University was able to hire 12 students who have gained exposure to corrugated design projects and testing. Students worked on weekly projects, gained experience with testing and prototyping equipment, and engaged with industry professionals while building practical skills that support career readiness.
“ICPF is proud to continue strengthening our longstanding partnership with Indiana State University,” said Caitlin Salaverria, ICPF President. “This cutting table will expand the Packaging Engineering Technology program’s capacity to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned learning experiences, while the Career Immersion Program will help students gain early insight into the many rewarding career pathways available in corrugated packaging.”
Beginning in Fall 2026, Indiana State University will launch its full Career Immersion Program, which will offer up to 30 undergraduate students the opportunity to work hands-on in the PACK Center through paid positions designed to enhance career readiness while students are still on campus. As part of the experience, students will also be introduced to corrugated manufacturing through facility tours and direct industry exposure.
The program will also create opportunities for up to 15 high school students through the Experiential Learning Scholars initiative, a week-long, credit-bearing course offered as part of Sycamore Summer Scholars. The experience is designed to introduce students to the corrugated packaging industry and help them better understand the range of career opportunities available within it.
“Caitlin and the ICPF team have been amazing to work with and have been a pivotal part of the growth of our program at Indiana State University,” said Brian James, Senior Instructor and Program Director for Packaging Engineering Technology at Indiana State University. “We are excited to help introduce high school students to the packaging industry and the many opportunities available in corrugated packaging. My own career was in corrugated, working in design, quality, and continuous improvement, so I have seen firsthand the support, innovation, and growth that can come from within the industry. ICPF’s investment in our students is helping us create meaningful hands-on experiences that prepare students for the future.”
Matthew Branson, current Packaging Student Ambassador, also emphasized the impact of the initiative on student learning in the lab.
“The Packaging Student Workers have been a great added value to the lab, and they get to have hands-on experiences,” said Branson. “We have weekly projects that come through, get to talk with industry professionals, and see how projects grow. It has been valuable showing students the testing and prototyping machinery in the lab, and we all feel more connected.”
ICPF’s support reflects a continued commitment to helping students connect classroom learning with real industry practice. By supporting new technology, paid student experiences, and early outreach efforts, the partnership is helping Indiana State University expand access to packaging education while building stronger awareness of careers in corrugated packaging.
“ICPF’s mission has always been centered on students—opening doors, expanding access, and creating meaningful pathways into the corrugated industry,” added Salaverria. “By supporting technology advancements and immersive learning experiences at Indiana State University, we’re igniting students’ curiosity, accelerating their skill development, and opening doors to dynamic careers that will shape their futures and the future of our industry. We’re excited to continue expanding these collaborations to support students, faculty, and industry employers nationwide.”